What Football Managers Seek in an Assistant Manager

Understanding the Role of an Assistant Manager in Football

Pep Guardiola, the renowned head coach of Manchester City, has emphasized the significance of hiring the right assistant coach, labeling it as a unique and crucial appointment within the coaching staff. Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola stated, "The only position that the manager has to choose is his assistant coach." This highlights the critical nature of this relationship, suggesting that the dynamics between the manager and assistant can profoundly impact a team's performance.

Collaboration and Mutual Respect

Guardiola's current assistant, Juanma Lillo, plays an essential role in the team's analysis and strategies. "We are quite similar in how we see football," Guardiola explained, stressing the importance of having someone who not only agrees but challenges him intellectually. This notion resonates throughout the league, where relationships between managers and assistant coaches can differ drastically, influencing their coaching style and the overall functioning of the team.

What Managers Seek in an Assistant

Different managers prefer different qualities based on their personal coaching philosophies. Some prioritize trust and transparency, while others focus on constructive challenges. We spoke with several managers to gain insight into what they look for in their assistant coaches.

Training Sessions: A Shared Responsibility

Paul Hurst, the head coach of Shrewsbury, notes that his long-term assistant Chris Doig takes on a significant portion of training responsibilities. Hurst acknowledges that he initially felt the need to oversee everything, but he's learned that delegating tasks not only relieves pressure but also enriches the team environment. Stephen Clemence, coach at Barrow, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of making every staff member feel involved and valued. This approach fosters a supportive and collaborative coaching atmosphere.

Trust: The Cornerstone of Assistant Relationships

Michael Flynn, manager of Cheltenham Town, emphasizes the essential nature of trust in an assistant. He believes an assistant manager should challenge him, providing a comprehensive skillset that complements his own weaknesses. This level of trust allows for a more intuitive understanding of the game's dynamics between the two, leading to seamless communication and execution during matches.

The Ideal Blend of Skills

A successful assistant manager brings a unique skill set to the table, one that enhances the overall coaching dynamic. Alex Revell, manager of Stevenage, recognized his own inexperience upon taking the role and made a strategic choice in selecting his assistant, Neil Banfield, for his vast experience. The blend of youth and experience in coaching staff can lead to innovative strategies and decisions.

Utilizing the Assistant as 'Bad Cop'

The "bad cop" role often falls to the assistant, where they may have to deliver difficult messages or maintain discipline among the players. Hurst acknowledges this dynamic, stating, "Sometimes if he upsets people, it might be the one delivering the message but it has come from me in a lot of ways." This collaborative approach ensures that high standards are maintained while allowing the manager to focus on other aspects of the game.

Conclusion: The Importance of Compatibility

The relationship between a manager and their assistant is vital for achieving success on and off the pitch. Each manager finds their unique balance, ensuring the right synergy that enhances team performance. As Guardiola notes, differences in opinion are not detrimental but rather essential for growth and improvement within the coaching staff. The right assistant is invaluable in refining a manager's capabilities and fostering a winning environment.